Latest news with #Lucira
News18
23-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Bridal Reimagined: Why The Modern Indian Bride Is Saying ‘Yes' To Lab-Grown Sparkle
Last Updated: Lab-grown diamonds account for nearly 20% of the global diamond market and have overtaken mined stones in over half of U.S. engagement rings, as per market data Bridal jewellery has long been the crown jewel of Indian weddings, a gleaming symbol of heritage, family pride, and tradition passed down through generations. But today, a quiet revolution is underway. The modern Indian bride is no longer just wearing what's expected of her; she's curating her bridal story on her own terms. And at the heart of this transformation is a growing shift toward lab-grown diamonds – brilliant, ethical, affordable, and deeply personal. As Indian weddings evolve from being tradition-bound spectacles to intentional, personalised celebrations, lab-grown diamonds are emerging as the stone of choice for a new kind of bride, one who values not just sparkle, but substance. 'Today's brides are no longer simply inheriting tradition, they're rewriting it," says Rupesh Jain, Co-Founder of Lucira, a homegrown lab-grown diamond jewellery brand leading this conscious-luxury shift. 'Lab-grown diamonds are leading the change as conscious, personal, and beautifully modern choices." What was once a niche choice has now become a global phenomenon. Lab-grown diamonds account for nearly 20% of the global diamond market and have overtaken mined stones in over half of U.S. engagement rings, as per market data. In India too, the demand is rising, particularly among millennials and Gen Z couples looking to combine aesthetics with ethics. 'The idea of luxury has expanded," says Jain. 'For modern brides, it's not just about carats and cost, it's about clarity of conscience. Transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility now matter just as much as the traditional Four Cs." This value shift is also deeply practical. With lab-grown diamonds priced up to 80% lower than mined diamonds of similar size and quality, couples are choosing to redirect wedding budgets toward experiences and investments such as dream honeymoons, new homes, or even long-term financial goals. The Personal Touch: Design Freedom and Customisation The appeal of lab-grown diamonds goes beyond price and sustainability, it's also about unparalleled creative freedom. Without the limitations of sourcing, lab-grown diamonds offer endless possibilities in terms of design, cuts, and scale, allowing brides to be more expressive with their jewellery. 'Without the supply and pricing constraints of mined diamonds, brides are free to explore bespoke creations that feel personal and deeply expressive," Jain adds. 'At Lucira, that freedom is at the heart of every design." Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder of Jewelbox, echoes the sentiment and notes a surge in demand for customised, meaningful designs among Indian brides. 'Weddings have always been rooted in tradition," she says, 'but the modern bride is making space for jewellery that aligns with her individual style and values. It's not just about sparkle, it's about self-expression, meaning, and intention." She shares an example, 'Recently, a bride commissioned a one-carat diamond cut in the shape of the letter 'A' for her mangalsutra. That's the kind of emotional storytelling and innovation that's easily possible with lab-grown jewellery." From Heirlooms to Identity: Reframing Bridal Jewellery Where once bridal jewellery was mostly about preserving family legacy, today it's about reflecting personal identity. Brides are no longer content with one-size-fits-all sets dictated by tradition or family elders. They want jewellery that feels authentic, versatile, and aligned with who they are from engagement rings and wedding-day chokers to post-wedding trousseau pieces. 'We're witnessing a new kind of bridal expression – conscious, confident, and contemporary," says Kochar Jain. 'And the appeal goes beyond aesthetics. It's also about the peace of mind that comes from knowing your jewellery is ethically sourced without compromising on quality or brilliance." At Jewelbox, brides are now choosing lab-grown diamonds not just for the engagement ring, but across the entire wedding look — blending heirloom-inspired motifs with modern silhouettes and bold, fashion-forward cuts. Beyond the Big Day: Diamonds That Grow With You Another reason lab-grown diamonds are resonating with brides today is their versatility. They're not just made for the wedding album — they're made to be worn, styled, and lived in, long after the festivities are over. Whether it's a statement solitaire worn to a work event or a delicate pendant styled with everyday outfits, lab-grown diamond jewellery easily bridges the gap between bridal and beyond. 'The question isn't whether lab-grown is the future," says Rupesh Jain. 'It's how you want to wear it." Conscious Is the New Classic In a culture where weddings are deeply tied to tradition and symbolism, lab-grown diamonds are giving Indian brides the chance to reclaim tradition on their own terms, keeping the sparkle, but infusing it with meaning, mindfulness, and individuality. 'For today's bride," says Vidita Kochar Jain, 'it's not just about looking beautiful on her wedding day, it's about making beautiful choices that reflect who she truly is." As sustainability, ethics, and storytelling become central to how we define luxury, lab-grown diamonds are no longer just an 'alternative." They are the new classic one that tells a story not just of love, but of intention and empowerment. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 10:52 IST News lifestyle Bridal Reimagined: Why The Modern Indian Bride Is Saying 'Yes' To Lab-Grown Sparkle Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fashion Network
25-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Candere founder Rupesh Jain launches lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Lucira
Rupesh Jain, founder of fine jewellery brand Candere has entered the lab-grown diamond jewellery segment with the launch of Lucira. Inspired by the Latin word Lucent (to shine), Lucira will focus exclusively on diamond rings to celebrate proposals, weddings, anniversaries, and personal achievements. Lucira has currently launched online with nationwide delivery and plans to enter the offline retail market soon with flagship experience stores in key metros across India. Commenting on the launch, Rupesh Jain, founder of Lucira in a statement said, 'Our vision is to create a premium, design-led fine jewellery destination that begins online and extends into beautifully curated physical spaces. With AI-powered customization, virtual try-ons, and seamless e-commerce, we're meeting customers where they are digitally native, value-conscious, and experience-driven.' 'Our upcoming flagship stores will bring this vision to life, blending the ease of technology with the emotion of touch. As we expand across India and into global markets, our goal is simple: to make Lucira synonymous with modern luxury that's personal, purposeful, and proudly Indian,' he added. With India's robust diamond manufacturing ecosystem and supportive government policies, Lucira aims to make deep inroads in the LGD jewellery segment in Indian and international markets.
CNN
05-02-2025
- Health
- CNN
US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home
The United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. After doctor's office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 20 million cases and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Hospitalizations are rising too, with an estimated 38,255 hospitalizations from flu last week alone. It's not the only illness spreading, either: Wastewater testing also shows high levels of the virus that causes Covid-19 across the country — well above levels seen at the start of winter. But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is Covid-19 or influenza. The tests are available for purchase at most pharmacies or online and allow patients to learn what may be making them sick without needing to make an appointment at a clinic or wait in line. The tests won't check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of test. Several companies have received emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and brought combination tests to market. One test, Healgen, has received authorization for marketing outside of emergency use. Most use rapid antigen technology, meaning the test can identify a particular component of the virus and then alert the user that the component is present. Another home test, Pfizer's Lucira, works through RT-LAMP technology, which detects the genetic material of the virus and amplifies it for identification. If you have symptoms but test negative for flu or Covid, you could have a different infection, have tested too early, or could be getting a false positive result. CDC guidance says to take added precautions and call a health provider for care. Experts say people who test positive for Covid or flu should isolate themselves as much as possible to protect loved ones and get in contact with their doctor, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Dr. Sarah Nosal, a primary care physician in the Bronx, New York, stresses the importance of isolation to stop the spread of illness. 'Because I'm a family doc, I'm usually taking care of all those people who live in that same house or in the community with that individual. … It's really about helping both prevent other exposures and the basics of caring for you,' she said. The home tests may also help patients get treatment faster. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says his emergency department is currently full of people with respiratory infections, the majority of whom are sick with the flu. 'What we say is 'oh, I'll get better in the morning' or 'I don't want to bother the doctor.' And so, we postpone the contact with the health care system,' Schaffner said. 'And of course, when we do contact, then it's two days later, and the treatment is going to be somewhat less effective. So, if the testing were widely available … then that might motivate patients to contact their providers earlier.' The differentiation between flu and Covid can also be critical when determining treatment and managing symptom expectations. Covid-19 can cause more serious illness in particular cases, according to the CDC. Patients who test positive for Covid could also be at risk of long Covid. Both viruses also have different antiviral treatment options. Although most people will get better in a few days without drugs, antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Paxlovid are more effective when given within the first two days of symptoms, according to the CDC. Mara Aspinall, a professor of practice in biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University, says she has seen these combo tests in every pharmacy she has entered this season. 'This is the first year that you have been able to get any sort of a flu test fully at home and … adoption takes a while,' she said. Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter Sign up here to get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Friday from the CNN Health team. Purchases of the tests have increased in recent months, according to Michael Mina, chief scientific officer of the telehealth company eMed and an expert in the epidemiology, immunology and spread of infectious disease. But with flu cases continuing to rise, experts are concerned about whether people will use them. This is in part because the over-the-counter Covid-flu tests are not covered by insurance. Walgreens sells its lowest-cost brand for $30 per two-pack, and prices are similar at other pharmacies. 'I think that's a big barrier right now: People don't really want to pay for it,' said Mina, 'Now, I just hope that we continue to see barriers to health care come down as the tools that would normally be used in a health care provider in a setting … you can use while sitting in bed,' he said. CNN's Deidre McPhillips contributed to this report.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home
The United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. After doctor's office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 20 million cases and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Hospitalizations are rising too, with an estimated 38,255 hospitalizations from flu last week alone. It's not the only illness spreading, either: Wastewater testing also shows high levels of the virus that causes Covid-19 across the country — well above levels seen at the start of winter. But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is Covid-19 or influenza. The tests are available for purchase at most pharmacies or online and allow patients to learn what may be making them sick without needing to make an appointment at a clinic or wait in line. The tests won't check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of test. Several companies have received emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and brought combination tests to market. One test, Healgen, has received authorization for marketing outside of emergency use. Most use rapid antigen technology, meaning the test can identify a particular component of the virus and then alert the user that the component is present. Another home test, Pfizer's Lucira, works through RT-LAMP technology, which detects the genetic material of the virus and amplifies it for identification. If you have symptoms but test negative for flu or Covid, you could have a different infection, have tested too early, or could be getting a false positive result. CDC guidance says to take added precautions and call a health provider for care. Experts say people who test positive for Covid or flu should isolate themselves as much as possible to protect loved ones and get in contact with their doctor, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Dr. Sarah Nosal, a primary care physician in the Bronx, New York, stresses the importance of isolation to stop the spread of illness. 'Because I'm a family doc, I'm usually taking care of all those people who live in that same house or in the community with that individual. … It's really about helping both prevent other exposures and the basics of caring for you,' she said. The home tests may also help patients get treatment faster. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says his emergency department is currently full of people with respiratory infections, the majority of whom are sick with the flu. 'What we say is 'oh, I'll get better in the morning' or 'I don't want to bother the doctor.' And so, we postpone the contact with the health care system,' Schaffner said. 'And of course, when we do contact, then it's two days later, and the treatment is going to be somewhat less effective. So, if the testing were widely available … then that might motivate patients to contact their providers earlier.' The differentiation between flu and Covid can also be critical when determining treatment and managing symptom expectations. Covid-19 can cause more serious illness in particular cases, according to the CDC. Patients who test positive for Covid could also be at risk of long Covid. Both viruses also have different antiviral treatment options. Although most people will get better in a few days without drugs, antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Paxlovid are more effective when given within the first two days of symptoms, according to the CDC. Mara Aspinall, a professor of practice in biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University, says she has seen these combo tests in every pharmacy she has entered this season. 'This is the first year that you have been able to get any sort of a flu test fully at home and … adoption takes a while,' she said. Purchases of the tests have increased in recent months, according to Michael Mina, chief scientific officer of the telehealth company eMed and an expert in the epidemiology, immunology and spread of infectious disease. But with flu cases continuing to rise, experts are concerned about whether people will use them. This is in part because the over-the-counter Covid-flu tests are not covered by insurance. Walgreens sells its lowest-cost brand for $30 per two-pack, and prices are similar at other pharmacies. 'I think that's a big barrier right now: People don't really want to pay for it,' said Mina, 'Now, I just hope that we continue to see barriers to health care come down as the tools that would normally be used in a health care provider in a setting … you can use while sitting in bed,' he said. CNN's Deidre McPhillips contributed to this report.
CNN
05-02-2025
- Health
- CNN
US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home
The United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. After doctor's office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate — and there are still months to go. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 20 million cases and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Hospitalizations are rising too, with an estimated 38,255 hospitalizations from flu last week alone. It's not the only illness spreading, either: Wastewater testing also shows high levels of the virus that causes Covid-19 across the country — well above levels seen at the start of winter. But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is Covid-19 or influenza. The tests are available for purchase at most pharmacies or online and allow patients to learn what may be making them sick without needing to make an appointment at a clinic or wait in line. The tests won't check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. The tests use self-collected nasal swabs, with results ready within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of test. Several companies have received emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and brought combination tests to market. One test, Healgen, has received authorization for marketing outside of emergency use. Most use rapid antigen technology, meaning the test can identify a particular component of the virus and then alert the user that the component is present. Another home test, Pfizer's Lucira, works through RT-LAMP technology, which detects the genetic material of the virus and amplifies it for identification. If you have symptoms but test negative for flu or Covid, you could have a different infection, have tested too early, or could be getting a false positive result. CDC guidance says to take added precautions and call a health provider for care. Experts say people who test positive for Covid or flu should isolate themselves as much as possible to protect loved ones and get in contact with their doctor, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Dr. Sarah Nosal, a primary care physician in the Bronx, New York, stresses the importance of isolation to stop the spread of illness. 'Because I'm a family doc, I'm usually taking care of all those people who live in that same house or in the community with that individual. … It's really about helping both prevent other exposures and the basics of caring for you,' she said. The home tests may also help patients get treatment faster. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says his emergency department is currently full of people with respiratory infections, the majority of whom are sick with the flu. 'What we say is 'oh, I'll get better in the morning' or 'I don't want to bother the doctor.' And so, we postpone the contact with the health care system,' Schaffner said. 'And of course, when we do contact, then it's two days later, and the treatment is going to be somewhat less effective. So, if the testing were widely available … then that might motivate patients to contact their providers earlier.' The differentiation between flu and Covid can also be critical when determining treatment and managing symptom expectations. Covid-19 can cause more serious illness in particular cases, according to the CDC. Patients who test positive for Covid could also be at risk of long Covid. Both viruses also have different antiviral treatment options. Although most people will get better in a few days without drugs, antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Paxlovid are more effective when given within the first two days of symptoms, according to the CDC. Mara Aspinall, a professor of practice in biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University, says she has seen these combo tests in every pharmacy she has entered this season. 'This is the first year that you have been able to get any sort of a flu test fully at home and … adoption takes a while,' she said. Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter Sign up here to get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Friday from the CNN Health team. Purchases of the tests have increased in recent months, according to Michael Mina, chief scientific officer of the telehealth company eMed and an expert in the epidemiology, immunology and spread of infectious disease. But with flu cases continuing to rise, experts are concerned about whether people will use them. This is in part because the over-the-counter Covid-flu tests are not covered by insurance. Walgreens sells its lowest-cost brand for $30 per two-pack, and prices are similar at other pharmacies. 'I think that's a big barrier right now: People don't really want to pay for it,' said Mina, 'Now, I just hope that we continue to see barriers to health care come down as the tools that would normally be used in a health care provider in a setting … you can use while sitting in bed,' he said. CNN's Deidre McPhillips contributed to this report.
